Panthers to announce ownership change

Sunrise, FL (Sports Network) - The Florida Panthers have scheduled a news
conference for Friday, at which time the club is expected to announce a change
of ownership.

According to numerous media outlets, including the South Florida Sun-Sentinel,
New York businessman Vincent Viola has purchased the franchise and the
operation of the BB&T Center for $250 million from a group headed by Cliff
Viner.

Viola, a former minority owner of the NBA's Nets before moving to Brooklyn,
will reportedly become the sole owner of the Panthers.